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A Better Man: True American Heroes Speak to Young Men on Love, Power, Pride and What It Really Means to Be a Man

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Kelly Johnson's book A Better Man is targeted to young men. I am not a young man, but a middle-aged woman, and I found myself wanting to reach for my yellow highlighter in each essay or interview, or in Johnson's introductions, to underscore a bit of wisdom or humanity that touched my core. But, I did not for I did not want to mar the newness, the pristine landscape of this recent publication. Because that's how I feel about what Johnson has done, opened up a new frontier with this courageous achievement. As readers, we are encouraged to be brave enough to meet her there.

If I were a parent, I might be defensive if I saw the title of this book. Sort of like, I'm doing a fine job thank you. As the mother of five boys and one girl, Johnson herself admits that this work was born from the frustrations of trying to instill right from wrong in the face of so much outside distortion. This is something we all struggle with, not only young men, knowing what's right yet possibly following what's popular instead, or acting out of unresolved pain. I promise you, this book in no means talks down to anyone, but makes tangible that which each of us knows we are all capable of, being a better person. Each contributor has a unique and pertinent viewpoint.

As a person with liberal tendencies, I balked when I saw GHW Bush's name. But I kept an open mind and was very glad I did. Perhaps you'll see a name that causes you pause. When it comes to Richmonders, Wilder is a controversial figure stemming from his tenure as mayor. My advice is to keep an open mind and don't be deterred from stepping into these pages with this mixed bag of heroic men who have so willingly shared what has worked for them to be able to do what's right and to prosper, in many more ways than solely monetarily.

What heartens me is the honesty found here both on the part of the editor and the contributors, a willingness to go to places deep and sometimes scary in order to make a difference in young lives. A place where one's own truth speaks louder than the manipulative mainstream media thereby allowing for a more authentic expression of what it means to be a better man, a better human. And there are plenty of laughs along the way, too.

In conclusion, I bet you, too, will be inspired to reach for the highlighter to underscore whichever passages resonate with you. When I reread this book as I know I will, I intend to go ahead and use that highlighter. This is not just a book for young men, yet it is very important that it reach that very special target group.

In her latest book, Kelly Johnson sends a wonderful, positive and inspirational message not only to young men, but to all readers, on the meaning of living one's life as a "Better Man". The interviews of the twenty-six strong, influential role models and heroes from the military, politics, sports and television are encouraging and uplifting stories, lessons and life experiences that we can all learn from. I have passed this book on to my son, who, as a new father, will no doubt be moved by the stories as I was. My grandson will also have a copy of the book. We are living in a troubled world, and I found this book to be a wonderful, strong message of hope and encouragement.

Kelly H. Johnson is a talented writer, who has given a gift to all young men. As the mother or stepmother of five boys, Kelly Johnson searched for a way to give her sons and our sons a deeper understanding of what it means to be a "Better Man". She has chosen well respected men from all cultural and racial backgrounds to offer their heartfelt counsel to our sons. The result is a broad spectrum of advice that she ties together through her interviews and word associations. Young men will benefit from this book, but men and women of all ages will love the biographies, editorial notes and views of their heros.

A Better Man: True American Heroes Speak to Young Men on Love, Power, Pride and What It Really Means to Be a Man

The new book "A Better Man" by Kelly H. Johnson will be an inspiration to everyone who reads it, not just boys and young men but everyone. If a young man or a young woman is ever in doubt of his or her capabilities, they need to read this book. Several of the men profiled in this book, accomplished so much more than they ever thought possible. I will buy this book for my two sons, my daughter and my two grandsons. I am no longer young by any stretch of the imagination, but even so, I was truly inspired when I read "A Better Man". Within the depths of this book, you will find that it is never too late to stop and reflect on the direction your life has taken based on the choices you have made. Yes, your choices, not decisions that someone else made for you, but decisions that you made for yourself. As you read this book you begin to realize that age is irrelevant. We all make choices each and every day that influence the way our lives will progress from that point forward. "A Better Man" uses a truly diverse group of people to show us the extraordinary accomplishments that would have been lost if these men had taken the easy way out. Maybe someone happened to be at the right place at the right time to ask the right question, or give that small piece of advice that helped these men excel in their lives. It is amazing how often an extremely small event can have such a life changing impact on someone. I can only hope that this book will have the same effect on my children and my grandchildren as it has had on me. Thanks, Kelly Johnson.

When my husband and I first picked up "A Better Man" we each anticipated a good read from which we could glean a few words of wisdom to share with our nephews. Personally upon reading it, not only did I find pieces of wisdom to share, but soon lost myself in an incredible piece of work.

Kelly Johnson's writing fills the pages of "A Better Man" with intelligence, sensitivity and humor. She introduces each contributing author with such wit and warmth, one feels as though they are present during the actual interview. This makes it easy for the reader to connect with each man as he tells his story.

The men who contributed to "A Better Man" share their compelling experiences as they traversed their own roads to manhood. They illustrate what it means to be a man of character, describe how they chose their own unique and individual paths to success, and they each model a life full of meaning and purpose. The humility with which each man approaches this important topic is apparent. It is refreshing to see men from many professions and walks of life included among the contributing authors. Kelly Johnson is to be congratulated for assembling such an impressive group.

In this era of fallen heroes it is beneficial to have a book wherein young men in particular can find men of substance to look up to. I gave "A Better Man" to my best friend's fifteen year old son for Christmas. He has already finished reading it and told his mom it was nice to know there are "still some cool guys out there".

A neighbor of ours who is a high school football coach also read this book. He was extremely impressed with Kelly Johnson's work and plans on incorporating many of the ideals written about as he works with his team next season. It seems apparent "A Better Man" could readily be incorporated into classroom or even family discussions with young men and woman alike, as they begin to envision the lives they hope to lead.

Young people are faced with perhaps too many options for their futures, and confusing imagery via the media of what those futures might look like. "A Better Man" brings the focus back to the basics. It lends a hand toward creating a vision of genuine human value and beauty. For this reason it seems clear "A Better Man" would benefit readers of all ages and genders. It is a book for those of us who are further along our paths in life to share with our younger counterparts.

On a personal level "A Better Man" opened my heart in places I had not anticipated. How very rare it is to say that a book has made the reader a better person, but for me, this book truly has. Many heartfelt thanks to Kelly Johnson and to each of the men who contributed to this meaningful project by sharing so deeply of themselves.

A Better Man is a gift to our culture , and not just a must read for young men! I plan on having my own daughters read this book and hope to share it with friends and family , male and female . It a pleasure to read with a nice lay out and Kelly Johnson really shines in her editors notes on each man of character she has interviewed. The advice shared is rich and much needed . K Johnson has true unique deep talent ,and we hope to see more of her work on the shelves soon ! L.S.

This is a collection of stories that the author put together by doing interviews of men she thought that had lived outstanding lives. She grew up in the military with her father having a career in the Navy. I was very impressed with these men's stories and how God had touched their lives. If you like these kind of stories then you will like this book.

A better man is not the typical inspirational book, it gives different perspectives of the same vision. This vision is that path to growth is not necessarily easy but worth it. It gives this from different perspectives, that of the famous civil right's leader, the war hero, the young man being grown by a group of women. Some stories will be more appealing to each reader but it is likely that any reader will find a story that resonates with them.

Bettering oneself is a goal many people should constantly aspire to. "A Better Man: True American Heroes Speak to Young Men on Love, Power, Pride, and What it Really Means to Be a Man" is a collection of stories from various figures of recent history, in sports, politics, military, and even more. These men faced challenges and, through their determination, emerged from them better for it. "A Better Man" is a worthwhile read for any man who wants emphasize his manliness the right way.